Disclosure: I worked in partnership with TypeDojo.com to bring you this post.
I think my single MOST helpful class in high school was typing. Why? Because it increased my ability to be productive in my classes by typing faster... and helped me later in life with jobs. (I worked as a temp during my Master's program and now am a freelance writer.) Kids also NEED to learn typing. Touch typing, more … [Read more...]

Hey Clay! just launched Talking Clay. Talking Clay is an interactive modeling clay app that teaches kids step-by-step how to make clay creations (monsters, aliens, animals, and birds). My kids tested it out by making cute penguins. I loved that it got them being creative together while on screen time!
Download on the App Store
Download on Google Play
Hey Clay is selling a kit to … [Read more...]

written by Kaye Newton, Author of How to Get Your Screen-Loving Kids to Enjoy Books
Research shows that reading helps children do well in school, the workplace, and life. But many kids prefer to spend all their free time on PlayStation and social media. As parents, how can we get our kids to put down their screens and give books a chance?
Four Steps to Get Your Screen-Loving Kid to … [Read more...]

Recently my family played a board game invented by 10-year olds. It got me thinking about how to teach kids to be entrepreneurs. Then my daughter announced, "I want to be an entrepreneur," adding, "because you have a good schedule." So clearly being a role model is helpful -- my husband and I are entrepreneurs --with flexible work hours. :) But what else supports children in their efforts to learn … [Read more...]

written by Katey Howes, picture book author of Magnolia Mudd and the Super Jumptastic Launcher Deluxe
Our children are born with the mindset necessary to be top-notch innovators. From day one, they are curious, flexible, and persistent. As babies and toddlers, every development milestone is achieved through trying, failing, and trying again. No blame, no shame when things don’t go right the first … [Read more...]

In honor of the Hour of Code the second week of December, I wanted to share with you 3 new products that will help kids learn to code: Let's Start Coding, Girls Who Code, and A Beginner's Guide to Coding.
Products that Help Kids Learn to Code
Let's Start Coding
Let's Start Coding Kit teaches kids coding using a kit of hardware and components and a computer app with lessons and projects. I … [Read more...]

Want a cool STEM stocking stuffer? We do, too. And we found it with Rosie Research's DIY Solar System Bracelet! Of course, you can make and gift this crafty learning bracelet anytime of the year.
Rosie Research is the brain child of Dr. Erica, a scientist mom who wants kids to be passionate about science. Read more about her journey here.
DIY STEM Solar System Bracelet (A Great Stocking … [Read more...]

We LOVE, LOVE, LOVE our Anki Overdrive Fast & Furious racetrack. Like, my kids are addicted. They like how it’s super interactive with technology (their favorite). They love building and rebuilding the track and racing against each other, friends, dad, or the computer — one of the most fun things they do every day! (Yes, they keep the track set up to play with it daily.)
Buy It … [Read more...]

Disclosure: I am working with Learning Upgrade to bring you this information.
Learning Upgrade is an app with over 900 lessons about reading English and math. It's an app for students who are struggling, English language learners, special needs students, homeschool students, and any adult learner who wants practice.
Comprehensive Learning Upgrade: English and Math App
What does this app … [Read more...]

Disclosure: I'm working with Super League Gaming to bring you this post.
Does your child love Minecraft? This weekend on Saturday morning, instead of just playing at home, they can enjoy the game while meeting new friends as part of a local team representing Denver, thanks to Super League Gaming and their Minecraft City Champs tournament, run in partnership with Nickelodeon. It’s like little … [Read more...]

Get your imaginative kids to incorporate pretend doll play, specifically with American Girl dolls, with technology, art, and writing -- a STEAM activity -- by making a stop motion movie of your dolls. Here's how. . .
STEAM Play with American Girl Dolls
First, make a plan and write a script. (The A in STEAM.)
JJ, my 12-year old, LOVES her American Girl dolls. She wanted to showcase two specific … [Read more...]

Disclosure: I’ve partnered with Sphero to write this article. #sponsored #beyondcode
Your kids can do SO MUCH with Sphero’s new app-enabled robot that inspires not just coding but also learning STEAM topics in creative ways. SPRK+ from Sphero caught my kids' attention from the get-go and held it as they began to explore the various learning possibilities with it. This is creative technology … [Read more...]